NASA is set to launch three rockets soon, and the colorful vapor trails could be seen in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York. The launch window opens at 10 p.m. on Monday and lasts until 3 a.m. on Tuesday from the Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia.
The first two rockets will ignite within a minute of each other, creating vibrant trails similar to those in fireworks. These trails will help scientists study wind patterns high in the atmosphere. About five minutes later, a third rocket will take off, equipped with lidar technology. This rocket will use a laser to interact with sodium atoms from meteor dust in our atmosphere. The reaction will allow scientists to observe atmospheric movements and study density changes over time.
This mission, known as the Turbulent Oxygen Mixing Experiment Plus, or TOMEX+, aims to explore a region called the mesopause. This layer, located about 53 to 65 miles above Earth’s surface, is difficult to study because it’s too high for weather balloons but too low for satellites. NASA describes the mesopause as the coldest part of our atmosphere, with temperatures dropping to around minus 148 degrees Fahrenheit. Here, night-shining clouds form, and weather systems release energy into space, leading to turbulence that can impact satellites.
Led by Jim Clemmons, a professor of physics and astronomy at the University of New Hampshire, the TOMEX+ mission builds on a 2000 experiment but with advanced technology. According to NASA, the goal is to offer a clearer 3D view of turbulence at the edge of space. This information could enhance our understanding of cloud formation, satellite drag, and atmospheric processes on other planets.
While the Wallops Visitor Center won’t be open for viewing, NASA will host a livestream of the launch on YouTube, starting five minutes before takeoff.
Studies show that understanding this high-altitude turbulence is crucial for improving satellite operations and predicting weather patterns. As our knowledge of the atmosphere expands, so does our capability to navigate challenges in technology and climate. For more information about the science behind the mission, check out NASA’s official site.
